Child Life Practicum

The Child Life department is committed to providing quality education and training for future child life professionals. Practicums are organized to provide students the opportunity to gain insight and exposure to the child life profession and help students understand the unique needs of hospitalized children and families. The Child Life Practicum at Children’s Medical Center Dallas is 12 weeks/192 hours. Students are expected to work approximately 16 hours per week and choose two days (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday). The student’s clinical supervisor, practicum committee and child life specialists will be available to provide instruction and guidance throughout this experience.

Practicum curriculum involves both clinical and non-clinical requirements. Students will be required to:

• Read the supplied readings

• Process experiences in a weekly journal

• Plan therapeutic group playroom/teen-room activities

• Complete two in-depth assignments to learn about assessment and prioritizing patients

• Complete a final portfolio project in preparation for internship interviews

Requirements

• Must be affiliated with a university during the practicum

• Must have completed a minimum of 15 hours of related coursework

• Must have experience with children at the time of the application

Process

Email below items to practicumapplications@childrens.com (please include your first and last name in the subject line):

1. Completed practicum application 

2. Current resume

3. A 250-400 word essay explaining how you learned about the field of child life and what interests you most about the profession

Submit in one envelope via US mail or FedEx:

1. Transcripts from all universities attended

2. Two letters of reference

   • One from an academic professor

   • One from someone who has observed your work with children

Please mail to:
Krista Stringer, MS, CCLS
Child Life Department
1935 Medical District Drive
Dallas, TX 75235  

Deadlines

Application packets must be postmarked by the application deadline.

Due to the large number of applicants, we are unable to individually respond to confirm receipt of documents. If you require verification of receipt, please arrange for this with the post office or delivery service you choose.